#delay #immeasurablymore #flipyourfocus #waterwalkinggirls

When parts of my life seem to be stuck in a delay I find that waiting is hard. What about you? As I wait it seems some days go by so quickly. Other days seem to drip away as slowly as molasses. I know in my heart that God’s timing will be perfect but the wheels in my head keep spinning the questions: When, what if, why, how long? If I am not careful I could allow myself to slip into a tornado of questioning and doubting. However, in my delay God has taught me to rely on Him and to flip my focus.

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#overcome #waterwalkinggirls

The last few days have been particularly difficult for me emotionally. The news that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year was hard to hear. I had expected that would be the decision. I understand the decision. I even agree with the decision. However hearing the Governor make the announcement made it real. As I process the ramifications of all that is taking place I feel as if I am in mourning. I am grieving the loss of time with my kindergarten students, the loss of baseball season, the loss of dance class, the loss of Preston’s first year of high school and Briley’s first year of middle school. I miss going to church and my church family. I miss routine and schedule. What about you? What are you grieving?

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#courage #waterwalkinggirls

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Just 3 weeks ago our high school baseball season was kicked off by hosting the IP Classic and my daughter was practicing for her ballet recital. I was gearing up to begin the busiest few months of our family’s lives. Looking at my full calendar was overwhelming. I had begun getting into the mindset needed to meet our schedule by planning meals a week ahead and making all the plans necessary to be sure everyone was where they needed to be at the right times. At work I was looking ahead at the coming weeks and all the standards I would need to be sure to teach. Just 3 weeks ago. My how things have changed in just 3 weeks.

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#renew #waterwalkinggirls

“Elijah challenged the people: ‘How long are you going to sit on the fence? If God is the real God, follow him; if it’s Baal, follow him. Make up your minds!’” 1 Kings 18:21 MSG

Today I challenge you to remember your conversion experience. Recall the moment you first accepted Christ into your heart. Then remember how excited and on fire you were in the days to follow. For those of us that grew up in the church and have a more gradual experience, remember when you first fell in love and the excitement you felt. You probably wanted to spend every waking hour with your new love and your enthusiasm drove your actions. I want you to ponder those feelings for a few minutes and really recollect all the emotions you felt.

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#lent2020 #waterwalkinggirls
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
For the last two weeks Julie and I have offered our thoughts and feelings about Lent. Last Friday Julie shared that she has been led to give up coffee which is an item that she loves. I too felt this year I needed to give up something that was big so that I could really sacrifice and be intentional about this time of Lent. I had prayed and had tossed around some possibilities but hadn’t for sure settled on my item until Tuesday morning when I was writing and came across the thoughts about Lent from catholicspirit.com: “When we come forward to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday we are saying that we are sorry for our sins, and that we want to use the season of Lent to correct our faults, purify our hearts, control our desires, and grow in holiness so we will be prepared to celebrate Easter with great joy.”

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#obedience #waterwalkinggirls
“Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3 NLT
This week as I have studied about Christian obedience and looked for uses of the word obey in the Bible I was drawn to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 NLT “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always even to the end of the age.”

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